The Stuttgarter or more specifically Canstatter Volksfest is one of the largest beer festivals, second only to the Oktoberfest in Munich. Even the Stuttgart natives don’t say they are going “to the festival” (auf´s Volksfest) but instead say they are going “auf den Wasen.” The Cannstatter Wasen is the area between Mercedesstraße, the Neckar River, the Gaisburger Neckar Bridge and the King Karl’s Bridge. Already two to three months before the festival, the large beer tents begin their set-up. There are more than 300 vendors total, and taking the vendors’ suppliers into consideration, more than 17,000 people are there to guarantee the approximately four million visitors a once-in-a-lifetime festival experience. More than 20,000 Volksfest club members (former German emigrants and their families from New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, but also former Soldiers that were stationed in Stuttgart or in the surrounding areas) regularly visit the Cannstatter Volksfest in order to renew and strengthen the ties with their friends in the area.

The Sunshine Pumpkin Farm is located in Gerhardsbrunn, a short 20 minute drive from Ramstein Air Base. Every year Familie Guhl opens up their pumpkin patch to families in the KMC area! Their fantastic pumpkin patch is so much fun; it's the perfect place to pick your pumpkins and get ready for Halloween. I've been going here the last two years, picking out my own pumpkins, and enjoying Familie Guhl's farm treats.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the countdown begins, Christmas is just around the corner and the Christmas Markets will soon be open! Not sure where to go? No worries, here are a few personal recommendations for you from me.  I hope that my list will help you organize your limited holiday time! In case this is your first Christmas here in Germany, let me introduce you to what a Christmas Market is, if you're already a pro, you can skip straight down to my list!

Christmas Markets: This centuries-old tradition reaches way back to a time where regular seasonal Markets took place throughout the year. The winter markets were a welcome and joyful occasion that added a bit of light to the cold, dark, winter nights. Throughout the years Christmas Markets have evolved, grown, and become less functional and more of a holiday tradition. Usually each village will have  a small Christmas Market, lasting anywhere from a few days to a week, whereas the bigger cities will have both Christmas and New Year’s Markets lasting two to five, sometimes even six weeks. They are places full of cheer, with lovely Christmas lights, delicious Christmas treats, and warm Christmas drinks. From roasted chestnuts, to hot mulled wine AKA Glühwein,or warm “Kinder-Punsch,” the Christmas Markets here are something you do not want to miss. It's also a great place to buy homemade crafts, winter apparel, Christmas gifts or holiday souvenirs; you can find nutcrackers, wooden figurines, traditional German ornaments, incense smokers, baking tins, toys, hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, table cloths,  tea, chocolate, dried meats—the list goes on and on. The markets are also often home to rides, live entertainment, games, and nativity scenes (some with live animals), and be sure to keep an eye out for Santa and his Reindeer (no, really). So, without further ado, here are some of the Christmas Markets I think you'll definitely want to visit this year:

The holidays are here; time for an endless stream of food, fun, family and friends. Only this year, it's your turn to host the big holiday party. That's right, after a few seasons of skirting by with a side dish and a bottle of glühwein, you're up for the main event. So, where to start? What do those symbols on your oven mean again?

Don't let the stress of hosting a large event keep you from doing it! With a bit (well, a lot) of preparation, and a touch of planning, you'll make hosting a holiday dinner party look like a piece of cake... or pie (yum).

The following is a guideline to running a smooth holiday dinner party. Again, this is only a guideline, take what you read and feel free to adjust it, so that it works for you! 

Both countries do love big and colorful parties, but the traditions at home do vary a bit between the Unites states and here in Germany.

The big rush before the party starts, and the shopping madness is international; and even in the capital of holidays, Germany, the 31st of December is a normal working day. Although most stores close early.

Once the guests arrive, the party takes off with music, good food and plenty of drinks to keep you happy. While the American party will most likely have the TV tuned to New York, for the big celebrations, Germans usually like it a little cozier with a timeless classic, the sketch “Dinner for One.” James, a clumsy Butler, trips repeatedly over the tiger’s head.

I'm sure you've all heard of Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Venice, and well, Fasching is Germany's Mardi Gras or Carnival. It officially began on 11.11.11 – meaning, the 11^th of November (the 11^th Month) at 11:11 AM, 2016, and it will end at the stroke of midnight on Fat Tuesday (or Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday) aka February 28^th 2017. It, like many other holidays, festivities, and traditions, is based in religion as a celebration before lent and it has its roots in Catholicism and Christianity. However, it is now celebrated in many regions of Germany and by all walks of life. It has become a tradition in Germany that no longer centers around religion. Anyone who attends a Fasching party or parade will tell you that it certainly doesn't feel like it's centered around the church. It's a colorful celebration of life, with costumes, parties, drinks, dancing, music, comedy, candy and more.

Most towns and major cities in Germany celebrate Fasching, with the same kind of enthusiasm that we reserve for Halloween in the United States—but the traditions and history behind Fasching vary from region to region. In some areas people dress up in scary costumes and they try to “scare off the winter,” and in other regions you are meant to dress silly, not scary, but no matter where you go, you're sure to find a wonderful celebration.  As you may have noticed, Fasching celebrations are a little slow to start, mostly since the focus in November and December is on Christmas, however, things really start to pick up at the end of January and the beginning of February, and soon you'll see various costumes for sale. Even if you don't plan on partaking in the festivities, now might be a good time to grab a fun Halloween costume for October.

The Stuttgart spring fest starts with a 4 day weekend into its 79^th year. This year it is opening right in time to celebrate the end of fasting on the Saturday before Easter. Old and young visitors can look forward to 3 eventful weeks in the capital of the State of Baden Wuerttemberg, starting at April 15^th to May 7^th 2017. Expect to be entertained by the 250 different food stands, rides and salesmen. It does not matter if you prefer a ride on one of the many colorful merry-go-rounds, the candy stands, a stroll through the Kraemermarket or proper fest music in the beer tents, everyone’s wishes will be satisfied. “The 23 days of celebration at the Wasen make it a great place for Families and what’s even better, this year’s Easter break falls right into the first week of the Fruehlingsfest.” Comments Andreas Kroll, head of the Stuttgart’s Event Management Ltd team. “We can look forward to a family friendly mood during that entire week and not just on Wednesdays, the already popular family days.

One of the German's favorite past times during the warm summer months has to be visiting fairs and markets. The medieval markets are particularly popular though.

Many of the old city centers are transformed into something from times far, far away. It's like stepping through a time portal, right into the busy hours of a crowded 12th century market complete with jesters, traders and the many treasures they brought along with them.

Immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the old times, minus the inconvenience of the old world Donnerbalken - thunder planks, or what toilets used to be called back then. Just like the regular fairs, the markets offer modern conveniences like bathrooms, parking and the bigger ones often have websites set up to study the program and promote special events or guests.

Often the markets charge an admission fee, but most wave that or at least give a discount if you are dressed in appropriate attire, like medieval or fantasy garb.

Vendors set up booths all over the market praising their goods. Marvel blacksmiths working their metals on set up forges, tanners and carpenters, or just your local herbalist offering fresh herbs and cures for small ailments. You may encounter an ale brewer or beekeeper selling local honey or gem cutters and jewelers with precious stones for sale. Tailors often show up with fantasy robes and armor and even weapons and chain or plate armor are available.

May markets have shows for entertainment, like jugglers, or jousting. They also have special kids programs or booths to bring the old times to the children. Things like bow and arrow shooting, gem or treasure digging or wooden sword fighting are popular at the fairs.

Be sure to visit all the yummy food vendors that offer long forgotten recipes, bake fresh breads in stone ovens, grill oxen over a fire or smoke fish and meats. If you prefer the more traditional fest foods, you won't be disappointed either.

My favorite part has to be browsing all the amazing wares. I love watching the craftsmanship that goes into these treasures and haggling for that one find is always fun. Second is definitely the different foods. I am especially fond of the ancient recipes and baked goods with honey and dried fruits.  If asked, my husband would probably prefer the ales, liqueurs and spirits that are home brewed and often much more potent then the stuff you can find in your local grocery store. He is also a big fan of the old style grilled or smoked meats and cheeses.

Horb, along the Neckar River, presents its 21^st annual medieval spectacle on June 16-18

Horb, on the A81 35 miles south of Stuttgart, is proud to share their 21 year old tradition every year on the 3^rd weekend in June. The city takes you on a trip back in time, and you can take their word for it, they mean serious business. During the Maximilian games the city and participating factions and guilds go absolutely crazy! The historic backdrop of the city with its half-timber houses, cobblestone streets and tight alleyways does its best to take you right back into the medieval times. This summer the spectacle is to be held on June 16-18.

The main attraction of the fair in Horb has to be the jousting tournament, where knights will battle against each other wielding lances, high up on their armored battle horses.  This year, for the first time, the matches will be held on the historic Horb marketplace – a picture perfect background for the occasion! The fair weekend will feature six tournaments held by brave, professional stuntmen on their mounts. There will be over 600 seats on wooden bleachers available for spectators to enjoy the show. The city center will be decked out with over 200 vendors and traders praising their wares and offering glimpses into old world productions and crafts. If you can manage to resist the charm of the traders, I can promise you, you won’t be able to resist the culinary delights that are prepared for the fest. Who wouldn’t want to try honey med, dragon’s blood or a witch’s potion?

One of the things that makes this market so authentic is the great effort that is being put into dressing the part. Most of the participants will be dressed in historic garments before hitting the streets. Meet knights in full plate armor, jesters in their colorful garb, hunters in leather armor and, of course, the many townsfolk and royal citizens in the beautiful dresses. Before you head home be sure to check out the camp of the Swabian lansquenets. It gives visitors the chance to take a glimpse into everyday life 500 years ago. Their camp will hold over 100 tents and over 250 participants and will show off attractions like sparing with weapons or cannon shooting.

The 21^st medieval knights games and market offers a wide program including, but not limited to, medieval music, tavern acts, a parade, children’s games and much, much more.

Copyright by:MPS ©

The legendary festival along Lake Constance, August 12th, 2017

And you can win tickets! Our friends of the festival were so kind to donate us free tickets! So we are going to run a giveaway for 3x2 tickets. You only have to like our page on Facebook and comment why you should be one of winners. You have to be 18 years old to enter the game.

Copyright by:MPS ©

Firework madness!

Germany may not be known for huge firework celebrations, like the 4th of July parties back in America, but to some folk’s surprise, Germany has some of the best pyro technicians in the world. And what better place to show off their skill sets, then an international three day competition! And you can win tickets! Our friends of the festival were so kind to donate us free tickets! So we are going to run a giveaway for 3x2 tickets. You only have to like our page on Facebook and comment why you should be one of winners. You have to be 18 years old to enter the game.

The worldwide second largest beer fest is, right after the Oktoberfest, the Stuttgart or better the Cannstatter Volksfest. As every year, starting on Sept 22nd, 2017 until Oct 8th, 2017; it’s time to head to the "Wasen”.

Copyright by:Joachim Schall ©

The Cannstatt Volksfest is now coming to an end, and after two weeks of beer being sold by “Maß”, it’s about time for something new, don‘t you agree? Following the lines of this little bit of Swabian advice “Wein nach Bier, das rat ich dir!”, which means something along the lines of “Wine after beer and you‘re in the clear”, the Fellbacher Herbst festival starts on the second weekend of October, and the last weekend of the Volksfest. The Fellbacher Herbst is one of the largest Thanksgiving and wine festivals of the region, and it is expected to draw in around 200,000 visitors over the course of 4 days—which is understandable because this festival has a lot to offer, for those big and small!

Copyright by:Markus Schwarz schwarz.pics ©

It is well known that Germany celebrates all kinds of harvests, the wine harvests, apple harvests, even pumpkin harvests. Like every proper celebration, with the harvest fests come the naming of the king or queen, like our wine queens.

Christmas markets are one of the most popular attractions during the winter month in Germany. Every larger city has one and everyone has their own little perks. One of the most charming markets has to be the medieval Christmas market in Esslingen. The market is located right in the old center of town and surrounded by medieval half-timbered houses built anywhere from the 13th to the 16th century. The stream that heads through the town with is little bridges just adds to the feeling. Actors and performers are dressed in the era appropriate garb, making the illusion nearly perfect. The market was visited by over one million eager time travelers last year, why not join them?

The official start to the Christmas season here in Germany has to be the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, which is usually also the time that most of the big Christmas markets open up. The Christmas markets have to be one of the most anticipated attractions for tourists during the season and there are just so many of them. With there being only 4 weekends to hit the further out markets and evenings to visit the markets close by, it is useful to have a battle plan, so you can hit as many markets as possible. In our Christmas markets recommendations, you can find some of the most popular markets in Germany and some great tips and tricks.

If you are a passionate traveler, or just a weekend trip fan this fair is right up your alley and a must visit, for sure. Hosted by Stuttgart, you have a whole 9 days to check out the craziness, starting January 13th and ending on January 21st, 2018.

You may have noticed that stores are setting up party items, costumes and streamers. No, Germany is not having a blow out on Halloween costumes, but is preparing the high season of Karneval, Fasching or as Americans may know it, Mardi Grass. You probably didn’t even know that the so called 5^th season started all the way back in November, on the 11^th of November to be exact, right at 11:11 am. Clubs and avid partiers have since been meeting, planning and working on the highlights of the season. Unless you are member of a Karneval club, you normally don’t sit in through meetings and the important voting of the local Fasching royalty. A Prince pair is elected each year to lead the campaign. They get to attend all the events and parties and dress up in fancy dresses.

The Stuttgart zoo is one of the largest and well-known zoos within Germany, it draws in over 2.1 million visitors every year. The park covers an area of almost 70 acres, about the size of 40 football fields and is bordered by the Neckar river and the suburb of Bad Cannstatt.

Founded in the 19th century by King Wilhelm the first, the kings vision was truly one of a kind. A private botanical garden, all with a stunning oriental flair, that was in style at the time. And an orange garden; that was a must have for every fashionable ruler back then. The architect tasked with the job, Karl Ludwig Zanth, oriented himself on the Moorish architecture in Spain. Since Alhambra in Grenada Spain had spectacular buildings, the architect decided to copy those and designed a stunning recreation of Alhambra, at the Neckar river. The park next to the castle, with its mineral rich springs, was turning more and more into a vision of Arabian nights, and was named after its creator, Wilhelm.

With May come the big fairs with rides, games, beer tents and great food. The city of Stuttgart kicks off with the Fruehlingsfest on the Wasen, the big fairground in the city. In Kaiserslautern, one of the biggest fairgrounds in the Palatinian region opens its doors, the Lauterer May Kerwe.

The German Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are right around the corner, perfect time for a little day trip. Gondwana, das Praehistorium is offering an amazing deal to celebrate those special holidays with your favorite dinosaur specialist. On Thursday May 10^th, German Father’s Day, the entrance fee for dad is free if a child (over 4 years of age) accompanies them to Gondwana, and on May 13^th Mother’s Day, the entrance fee for mom is free if a child (over 4 years of age) is accompanying them

The Wilhelma in Stuttgart is offering a special free event for Mother’s Day this weekend.

Hear ye, Hear ye!!

In just one month the gates for the famous Horb knight games will open. Horb, located 35 miles south of Stuttgart at the A81, is one of the largest medieval markets in the Europe. This medieval festival doesn’t just lure its visitors in with an awesome market, but there are also the jousting matches.

If you ever lived in the Rhein-Neckar region, then you know that one of the summer highlights is the Heidelberg castle illumination. Three times every year during the summer months (June, July and September, right after nightfall), the spectacle attracts thousands of viewers annually and countless of boats and ships that sit on the Neckar to watch the fireworks.

Germans love a good party, and even more so when great food is involved. This weekend the Schwabengarten in Leinfelden is hosting a special party. A party to celebrate all that makes America great and to show some appreciation to our American friends!

Explosions, gun fire, the cries from injured people at the train station in Stuttgart. Police, Fire department and ambulances with lights and sirens blaring, racing towards the main train station. If you encounter that in Stuttgart tomorrow evening – don’t be alarmed. No terrorist thought of picking this memorable date for an attack.

Creepy, haunted hour with spooky spirits

hen giant spiders build their nets, pale skeletons hide behind bushes, then it is time for the creepiest day at the Wilhelma. Witches, vampires and ghosts are taking over leadership at the zoological- botanical garden in Stuttgart on October 31^st. it is their mission to spread a spooky good time in the historic garden.

Bestwhisky, a store with quite a promise, is located only about six miles, or 10 minutes, away from Patch Barracks in the Rotenwaldstreet 41, Stuttgart 70197. My first thought upon entering the store was, “feel free to lock me up in here and throw away the key!!”

“The magical journey begins at dusk” - that’s the theme the Wilhelma will go by when the Christmas Garden Stuttgart opens their doors to visitors on November 15^th.

This last Saturday was the long-awaited grand opening of the Christmas Garden at the Stuttgart Wilhelma zoo and botanical garden. Since the last Together Magazine edition ran with the Christmas garden as cover story, we were invited. We met up a bit early to scout out the set up and soon enough quite a crowd gathered anxiously waiting for the officials to show.

There was a nice set up with delicious finger foods, appetizers and drinks that we were able to enjoy.

After a few speeches by the creators, the zoo representatives and the hosts, the official countdown started. At 7 pm, with a great round of applause and cheers, the Stuttgart Christmas Garden opened its gates!

Copyright by:Düsseldorf Marketing & Tourismus GmbH ©

On May 25, 2019, Duesseldorf, the traditional stronghold of Japanese business in Europe, is expecting several hundred thousand visitors from near and far. Duesseldorf is the most important city for Japan in Germany, and therefore, the location for the largest Japanese cultural celebration outside of Japan. The festival is being prepared with great care by Duesseldorf’s Japanese community. The city is home to around 7,000 Japanese nationals. Japan Day will be held, as always, right along the Rhine River, right in the city of Duesseldorf (in North-Rhine-Westphalia).

The Brezel Fest is a long-standing tradition in Speyer. It was originally born out of an idea to bring money into the city in 1910, when the merchants and bakers were suffering. The city council founded the tourism club to help with filling the city treasury in 1907. Three years later they decided to host a celebration in honor of the bakers, tobacco farmers and brewers. Back then, it was called the Tourism and Brezel Fest.

Every year a different German city has the honor of hosting the national garden show. This year the task has fallen upon Heilbronn. Each city designs and sets-up a huge public garden with their hometown’s touch. Those gardens are laid out over several square kilometers and offer much more than just flowers. During the time the show is running, the city offers a huge entertainment program, featuring concerts, theatre plays and exhibitions. Weekly reoccurring events like water fountain shows, sport meet-ups and club meetings with hobby enthusiasts make for great opportunities to meet people and hang with locals.

The “Gartenschau” garden show in Kaiserslautern is reopening its gates on March 30, 2019. Known as one of the most popular outdoor hang outs in the area, this place is perfect for a family with younger children. The garden show is laid out like a huge park, with flowerbeds, walking trails, several playgrounds for kids (even some water ones), a barefoot trail, several themed gardens, a shop and, of course, the dinosaur trail.

One of Germans favorite past times during the warm summer months has to be visiting medieval markets.

Many of the old city centers are transformed into something from times long past. Cities like Horb offer trips right into the busy hours of a crowded 12^th century market, complete with jesters, traders and the many treasures they brought along with them.

We, from the Together Magazine, are super excited to be able to present this awesome event to you all!

Our partner, the Sprungbude, is hosting a Ninja challenge night for all American personnel and families stationed in the area. The ninja warrior challenge will be featuring 4 teams competing for fame, glory, prices and of course bragging rights!

Then the Stuttgarter Weindorf (Stuttgart Wine Village) is a must.

It is one of the finest wine festivals in Germany with regional specialties and a wide selection of excellent regional wines from Wuerttemberg and Baden.        

On the Stuttgarter Marktplatz (in front of city hall), the “Schillerplatz” and in the ”Kirchstraße”(downtown Stuttgart), there will be more than 30 hosts and winemakers presenting over 250 different wines in 125 different booths. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can indulge yourself at one of the confectionary retailers.

Germans love a good party, and even more so when great food is involved. This weekend the Schwabengarten is hosting a special party. A party to celebrate all that makes America great and to show some appreciation to our American friends!

During the 4 weeks of Advent (roughly four weeks prior to Christmas) the Christmas Markets – Weihnachtsmärkte - open their doors.

They originated in German-speaking part of Europe & in the Eastern regions of France in the Late Middle Ages.

If you are a passionate traveler, or just a weekend trip fan this fair is right up your alley and a must visit, for sure. Hosted by Stuttgart, you have a whole 9 days to check out the craziness, starting January 11th and ending on January 19th, 2020.